Modular doormat

ABSTRACT

A modular doormat having at least one profile having an elongated configuration, the profile being shaped in the form of a channel in accordance with a “U”-shaped transverse cross section; a covering element located in the channel and disposed for the contact thereof with the soles of footwear; first coupling device disposed in correspondence with one elongated side of the profile; second coupling device disposed in correspondence with another elongated side of the profile, the first coupling device and the second coupling device being mutually complementary; and adhesion device, the adhesion device being disposed adhering to an external, lower surface of the profile. The at least one profile may be disposed attached to a surface by the adhesion device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is related to the industry dedicated to doormats available in floors for cleaning the soles of footwear, and more specifically to the industry dedicated to doormats that are modular.

STATE OF THE ART

At present, doormats for cleaning the soles of footwear are widely known. Likewise, doormats made by joining profiles to each other, such that they are modular, are known. This modular configuration of the doormats makes it possible to assemble them by adjusting the shapes thereof to a desired space.

In this way, conventional modular doormats can be disposed covering a larger area in places such as entrances to shopping centres, banks, etc. than in other places such as entrances to shops or small businesses, homes, etc.

In order to provide a safe joining between the profiles, either complex geometries that are complementary to each other or additional joining means are required, such as pins, screws, etc.

Likewise, the solutions known to date, mainly in accordance with large-size modular doormats, as described, require a civil or similar work to define a housing in the pavement for disposing said mat so that it is immobilised against movements or slides on the pavement.

Alternatively it is known to dispose screws, nails or the like to hold the modular doormat on the pavement according to a desired location.

In view of the described drawbacks or limitations exhibited by currently existing solutions, a solution is required that enables the modular doormat to be disposed mounted and attached with respect to the placement location thereof, while providing simplicity and low cost with respect to the solutions described.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

In order to meet this objective and solve the technical problems discussed so far, in addition to providing additional advantages that may be derived later, the present invention provides a modular doormat.

The present modular doormat comprises at least one profile having an elongated configuration, the profile being shaped in the form of a channel in accordance with a “U”-shaped transverse cross section with two wings and a bottom; a covering element located in the channel and disposed for the contact thereof with the soles of footwear; first coupling means disposed in correspondence with one elongated side of the profile; and second coupling means disposed in correspondence with another elongated side of the profile, the first coupling means and the second coupling means being mutually complementary.

The present modular doormat further comprises adhesion means, said adhesion means being disposed adhering to an external, lower surface of the profile. In this way, the at least one profile may be disposed attached to a surface by means of the adhesion means.

Optionally, there are at least two profiles such that they are disposed attached, one of the profiles being at least partially coupled to the other of the profiles by one of the elongated sides.

Preferably, the profile is configured to retain the covering element in the channel with a nested disposition. Additionally or alternatively, the profile has free ends partially defining the channel, the free ends being extended facing each other.

The adhesion means preferably comprise at least one adhesive strip, and more preferably at least two adhesive strips. The adhesion means preferably extend parallel to an imaginary central longitudinal axis of the channel, although, additionally or alternatively, they may extend perpendicular to the imaginary transverse axis of the channel.

The adhesion means are configured to provide shock absorption by being elastically deformable.

The first coupling means preferably have a continuous longitudinal extension along the elongated side of the profile. Additionally or alternatively, the second coupling means has a continuous longitudinal extension along the other elongated side of the profile.

The first coupling means and the second coupling means are optionally configured to jointly establish a coupling such that an at least partial overlap in a mutually vertical sense is established.

The first coupling means and the second coupling means are preferably configured to be disposed coupled by means of a movement perpendicular to the surface.

The profile comprises a base joining the two wings to each other and spaced from the bottom, such that the base together with the wings and the bottom define a longitudinal hollow space along the profile.

The present modular doormat may further comprise a removable sheet for additionally adhering the adhesion means to the surface.

The present modular doormat may further comprise an irregular surface in the profile, said irregular surface being disposed for the contact thereof with the soles of footwear during use of the modular doormat.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 show schematic views of a profile comprised in a modular doormat object of the invention, according to a first preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 2, 4 and 6 show schematic views of the profile comprised in the modular doormat object of the invention, according to a second preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 7, 9 and 11 show schematic views of a set of the profiles comprised in the modular doormat according to the first preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 8, 10 and 12 show schematic views of a set of the profiles comprised in the modular doormat according to the second preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 13 to 16 show other schematic views of the profile comprised in the modular doormat object of the invention, according to the first preferred embodiment and the second preferred embodiment, respectively.

FIG. 17 shows a schematic upper perspective view of the profile comprised in the modular doormat object of the invention, according to the first preferred embodiment.

FIG. 18 shows a schematic lower perspective view of the profile comprised in the modular doormat object of the invention, according to the second preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular doormat. The present modular doormat comprises at least one profile (1), and preferably two or more. These profiles (1) have an elongated configuration, being further sized in the form of a channel (1′) in accordance with a transverse cross section of the “U”-shaped profiles (1) themselves.

In this way, in the profile (1) two wings and a bottom can be defined, bottom which is joining said wings to each other according to the aforementioned “U” shape. Preferably the profile (1) is made of aluminium, although alternatively it can be made of another material that provides strength and lightness to the profiles (1).

The modular doormat additionally comprises a covering element (2) located in the channel (1′) and disposed for the contact thereof with the soles of footwear. Accordingly, the covering element (2) comprises a material selectable from rubber, plastic, textile and any combination of two or more thereof. Likewise, regarding the textile material, it can be either made of fibres of natural origin or of synthetic origin.

In order to contact the soles of footwear, and thus provide a cleaning thereof, the covering element (2) and the channel (1′) are jointly sized such that said covering element (2) partially protrudes externally with respect to the channel (1′). In other words, the covering element (2) being disposed housed in the channel (1′) for use thereof, the covering element (2) extends to a point further away than the wings of the profile (1) with respect to the bottom according to a measurement perpendicular to said bottom.

Accordingly, the covering element (2) is disposed in the channel (1′) by means of fitting and/or adhesion to provide an immobilisation or retention of said covering element (2) with respect to the profile (1).

Preferably, the “U” of the profile (1) is defined with the wings disposed extended such that free ends (1″) of the channel (1′), that is to say of the wings, are extended in mutually parallel, or substantially parallel form. In this way, a quick and direct placement of the covering element (2) in the channel (1′) is provided. See, for example, FIGS. 1 to 6.

Alternatively, the “U” of the profile (1) is defined with the wings disposed extended such that the free ends (1″) of the channel (1′), that is to say of the wings, are extended facing each other, or substantially facing each other. In this way, a contact retention of the covering element (2) is provided in the channel (1′). See, for example, FIGS. 13 and 14.

Preferably in the option with the free ends (1″) of the channel (1′) extended facing each other, the present doormat comprises in correspondence with said free ends (1″) an irregular surface, preferably in the form of teeth. See FIGS. 13-16. Likewise, in the option with the free ends (1″) of the channel (1′) extended parallel to each other, the present doormat may comprise said irregular surface in correspondence with said free ends (1″). Said irregular surface is configured to provide the ability to clean or remove dirt from the soles of footwear independently of the covering element (2).

The present modular doormat comprises coupling means (A, B) to dispose at least two of the profiles (1) coupled to each other such that imaginary central longitudinal axes of the corresponding channels (1′) are disposed according to a fixed separation distance.

Accordingly, the coupling means (A, B) comprise first coupling means (A) and second coupling means (B), the first coupling means (A) and the second coupling means (B) being mutually complementary.

The first coupling means (A) are disposed in correspondence with an elongated side of the profile (1), that is to say, according to one of the wings. Likewise, the second coupling means (B) are disposed in correspondence with another elongated side of the profile (1), that is to say in accordance with the other of the wings.

Accordingly, the coupling means (A, B) preferably have a longitudinal extension according to that of the profile (1). Thus, the profile (1) and said coupling means (A, B) are obtained in accordance with a one-piece, which provides structural rigidity to the present modular doormat. Likewise, this configuration makes it possible to jointly obtain the profile (1) and said coupling means (A, B) by means of extrusion.

Another advantage provided by said longitudinal extension of the coupling means (A, B) according to that of the profile (1) is that spaces between the laterally disposed profiles (1) adjacent to each other through which dirt or other type of unwanted particles can be introduced become void.

Another additional advantage provided by said longitudinal extension of the coupling means (A, B) in accordance with that of the profile (1) is that a relative position between the profiles (1) to be disposed coupled to each other is variable or independent, that is to say, it is not conditioned. In this way, one of the profiles (1) can be, on the same side thereof, simultaneously coupled to two others of the profiles (1) comprised in the modular doormat.

The coupling means (A, B) are configured to jointly establish a coupling so that an at least partial overlap in a mutually vertical sense is established. In this way, the cancellation of said spaces through which unwanted particles can filter is ensured, in addition to a mutually stable disposition of the profiles (1).

Said coupling means (A, B) are configured to be disposed coupled by means of a vertically downward movement, or a perpendicular and approaching movement to a placement surface of the modular doormat. In this way, a required mounting space for installation or placement of the different profiles (1) is minimised in order to obtain the present modular doormat. See FIGS. 7 to 12.

According to a first option, the first coupling means (A) and the second coupling means (B) are configured as “I”-shaped projections, said projections being perpendicularly in projection with respect to the corresponding wing. That is, the projections are disposed to be parallel, or substantially parallel, with respect to the placement surface of the corresponding modular doormat. See FIGS. 3 and 4.

According to this first option, one of the projections rests on the other of the projections according to the coupled disposition for forming the modular doormat according to at least two of the profiles (1). Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the projections, and preferably the two projections, contact axially against one of the wings of the profile (1) with respect to which the coupled disposition is established. Thus, a uniform spacing is ensured between profiles (1), or between the imaginary central longitudinal axes of the corresponding channels (1′). See FIGS. 9 and 10.

According to a second option, the first coupling means (A) and the second coupling means (B) are configured as “L”-shaped projections, said projections being perpendicularly in projection with respect to the corresponding wing. Furthermore, these projections are pointing downwardly through a free end thereof or towards a location portion of the placement surface of the modular doormat, or upwardly or towards a portion opposite to that of location of the placement surface of the modular doormat, depending on whether the projections correspond to the first coupling means (A) or to the second coupling means (B). See FIGS. 1 and 2.

According to this second option, one of the projections rests on the other of the projections according to the coupled disposition for forming the modular doormat according to at least two of the profiles (1). Additionally or alternatively, the projection of each of the two profiles (1) contacts against one of the wings of the profile (1), with respect to which the coupled disposition is established, in addition to axially against the projection of the other profile (1). See FIGS. 7 and 8.

According to a third option, the first coupling means (A) and the second coupling means (B) are configured as headed projections and cavity projections, respectively. Alternatively, it is the first coupling means (A) that are configured as a headed projection and the second coupling means (B) that are configured as a cavity projection. Said projections are in projection with respect to the corresponding wing. See FIGS. 5 and 6.

According to this third option, the headed projection rests on the cavity projection according to the coupled disposition for forming the modular doormat according to at least two of the profiles (1). The head of the corresponding projection may be fitted, preferably by clipping, in the cavity of the corresponding projection. Accordingly, a portion of the head of the projection of one of the profiles (1) is able to be partially housed in the cavity of the projection of the other of the profiles (1) by means of the corresponding vertically downward movement, or perpendicular and approaching movement to the placement surface of the modular doormat.

Likewise, in order to fully house said head in said cavity, the profile (1) vertically moved in a downward direction, or perpendicularly towards the placement surface of the modular doormat, is additionally angularly moved, that is, the wing for locating the projection by means of which the coupling is carried out is moved to a lesser extent than the complementary wing of said moved profile (1). See FIGS. 11 and 12.

The present modular doormat comprises adhesion means (3). The adhesion means (3) are disposed adhering to an external and lower surface of the profile (1), that is to say externally with respect to the channel and in correspondence with the bottom.

Accordingly, the adhesion means (3) are configured for a fixed disposition of the profiles (1) on the corresponding placement surface of the modular doormat by adhesion. Thus, a simplification is also possible, in addition to a greater variety, with regard to the coupling means (A, B) since the function of avoiding an undesired movement of the same is performed by the adhesion means (3) instead of by the coupling means (A, B).

Therefore, the profiles (1) of the present modular doormat are preferably disposed correspondingly coupled to each other without horizontal movement thereof according to a plane or the placement surface of the modular doormat. That is to say, the profiles (1) move for a mutual coupling forming the modular doormat disposed on the corresponding placement surface without interfering in the effect of adhesion to said surface provided by the adhesion means (3).

The adhesion means (3) preferably comprise one adhesive strip, as shown for example in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; and more preferably two adhesive strips, as shown for example in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Likewise, there can be 3, 4 or more adhesive strips comprised in the adhesion means (3).

Accordingly, the adhesion means (3) are extended parallel to the imaginary central longitudinal axis of the channel (1′). In this way, the disposition of the adhesion means (3), and more specifically the adhesive strip or strips, in a continuous and effective manner according to the configuration of the profiles (1) is facilitated.

Alternatively, the adhesion means (3) are extended perpendicular to the imaginary transverse axis of the channel (1′). In this way, dosage is facilitated in the application of the adhesion means (3) as they are distributed in mutually spaced proportions along the profiles (1).

As described, the adhesion means (3) are configured to provide shock absorption by being elastically deformable. In this way, the adhesion means (3) are selected so that the properties and consistency thereof provide adhesion between the profiles (1) and the corresponding placement surface of the modular doormat; in addition to having the ability to recover the initial state thereof when a disturbance ceases, such as a footfall by a person, to which they are subjected, that is, resilience.

In order to provide an optimal degree of cushioning provided by the adhesion means (3) as described, in addition to a stable disposition of the profiles (1) against the placement surface, the corresponding adhesive strips disposed in the profiles (1) have a thickness preferably between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 0.2 mm and 4 mm, and even more preferably between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

The modular doormat comprises a sheet (4), preferably of silicone paper. This sheet (4) is disposed on the profiles (1) in order to protect the adhesion means (3) once applied and until said profiles (1) are disposed on the corresponding placement surface. Thus, damage to the adhesion means (3) during storage and transport is avoided.

Accordingly, said sheet (4) is removable for adhering the adhesion means (3), in addition to the profile (1), to the placement surface of the modular doormat. The sheet (4) is visible in FIGS. 17 and 18.

Optionally, and in accordance with what has been described, the profile (1) comprises a base (5). This base (5) extends joining the two wings to each other, in addition to being spaced and parallel, or substantially parallel, with respect to the bottom. See FIGS. 15 and 16. In this way, said base (5) together with the wings and the bottom define a longitudinal hollow space (5′) along the profile (1).

According to this option, the covering element (2) is also disposed in the channel (1′) by means of nesting and/or adhesion to provide the immobilisation or retention of said covering element (2) with respect to the profile (1), only in this case it rests on the base (5) instead of on the bottom.

This option provides the profile (1), or the modular doormat, according to a greater height or maximum separation with respect to the placement surface of the modular doormat, without requiring or providing a greater thickness or height of the covering element (2).

The disposition of said base (5) is independent of the coupling means (A, B) and the free ends (1″), i.e., it is comprised in the profile (1) with any of the options described for the coupling means (A, B), on the one hand, and/or with any of the possibilities described for the free ends (1″), parallel or facing each other, on the other hand. 

1. A modular doormat, comprising: at least one profile having an elongated configuration, the profile shaped in the form of a channel in accordance with a “U”-shaped transverse cross section with two wings and a bottom; a covering element located in the channel and disposed for the contact thereof with the soles of footwear; first coupling means disposed in correspondence with one side of the at least one profile; second coupling means disposed in correspondence with another side of the at least one profile, the first coupling means and the second coupling means being mutually complementary; adhesion means disposed adhering to an external and lower surface of the profile; such that, the at least one profile is disposed attached to a surface by means of the adhesion means.
 2. The modular doormat according to claim 1, wherein there are at least two profiles such that they are disposed attached, one of the profiles being at least partially coupled to the other profiles by one of the sides.
 3. The modular doormat according to claim 1, wherein the profile is configured to retain the covering element in the channel with a fitted disposition.
 4. The modular doormat according to claim 1, wherein the profile has free ends partially defining the channel, the free ends being extended facing each other.
 5. The modular doormat according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion means comprise at least one adhesive strip.
 6. The modular doormat according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion means comprise at least two adhesive strips.
 7. The modular doormat according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion means extend parallel to an imaginary central longitudinal axis of the channel.
 8. The modular doormat according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion means extend perpendicular to an imaginary transverse axis of the channel.
 9. The modular doormat according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion means is configured to provide shock absorption by being elastically deformable.
 10. The modular doormat according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling means and/or the second coupling means have a continuous longitudinal extension along the elongated side of the profile.
 11. The modular doormat according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling means and the second coupling means are configured to jointly establish a coupling such that an at least partial overlap is established in a mutually vertical sense.
 12. The modular doormat according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling means and the second coupling means are configured to be disposed coupled by means of a movement perpendicular to the surface.
 13. The modular doormat according to claim 1, wherein the profile comprises a base joining the two wings to each other and spaced from the bottom, such that the base together with the wings and the bottom define a longitudinal hollow space along the profile.
 14. The modular doormat according to claim 1, further comprising a removable sheet for additionally adhering the adhesion means to the surface.
 15. The modular doormat according to claim 1, further comprising an irregular surface in the profile, said irregular surface disposed for the contact thereof with the soles of footwear during use of the modular doormat. 